Navy Officer designator · Support
171X Foreign Area Officer
Current service use not established
This code is listed in the directory. Inclusion alone does not confirm current service use.
A Navy officer classification, not an enlisted rating.
Overview
Foreign Area Officers advise and assist in planning and implementing policy concerning the politico-military aspects of international affairs. They provide and evaluate information on international developments, support the development of plans and policies, represent Navy interests in international matters, and maintain liaison with relevant government agencies.
Notes & Sources
- NOOCS Part A (Edition 96, Jul 2026) defines officer designator 171X as: “Special Duty Officer qualified as a Foreign Area Officer”
- The designator row is an identity/qualification statement, not a duty description, so occupation-specific skills, career paths, and credential recommendations are not published here; duties depend on the billet and community qualification.
Evidence for this guidance (1 document)
- NAVPERS 15839I Vol I Part A · Billet and Officer Designator Codes (NOOCS Edition 96, Jul 2026)
[1] Part A officer designator table, block 171X, cached text line 554
Supports: Specialty definition
Source review recorded September 24, 2026.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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